In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we often use the term “agency” instead of “choice.” Agency is a sacred thing to us because of what modern prophets have revealed about its importance in Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation. When you choose to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, you use your agency to make a choice. Put simply, agency is the ability and privilege God gives people to choose and to act for themselves.
Here are some principles that we believe about agency:
The Lord gave unto man his agency. (Moses 7:32)
Satan sought to destroy the agency of man. (Moses 4:3)
A third part of the hosts of heaven turned he [Satan] away because of their agency. (Doctrine & Covenants 29:36)
It must needs be that the devil should tempt men, or they could not be agents. (D&C 29:39)
Man could not act for himself save it should be that he was enticed. (2 Nephi 2:15–16)
Let every man choose for himself. (D&C 37:4)
Men are free to choose liberty and eternal life or captivity and death. (2 Nephi 2:27)
Of every tree thou mayest freely eat. (Gen. 2:16)
Ye are free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves. (Helaman 14:30)
Every man may act according to the moral agency which I have given unto him. (D&C 101:78)
Note that nearly all of these scriptures and principles come directly from the scriptures given in this dispensation! Notice their clarity and simplicity.
Definition and list of principles from LDS Guide to the Scriptures, http://lds.org/scriptures/gs/agency?lang=eng&letter=a
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4 comments:
What great observations about the modern day scriptures. I'm so glad we have them.
Another great one would be an article of faith. We believe that men will be responsible for their own sins. Mormons don't believe that one can be responsible for the sins of another (unless you are a parent that neglected to teach your children the gospel)
Good point, Kimberly!
"Men are free to choose liberty and eternal life or captivity and death." (2 Nephi 2:27)
This is more in line with the Old Testament and sound, Biblical teaching than most fundamentalist Protestants EVER achieve. I am not Mormon but believe you're teaching on Agency is on-target and correct. Blessings.
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